New Richmond Arena still on Saints’ agenda

Garrett Kelleher is relying on public and political support for the government to change direction to include St Patrick’s Athletic’s proposed Richmond Arena in regenerating the Inchicore area of Dublin 8.

The club’s sole benefactor saw his plan to include the new venue in the redevelopment, consisting of housing, civic and shopping facilities, rejected by Dublin City Council in favour of their own project.

Those plans unveiled by Minster for Housing Eoghan Murphy yesterday to instead construct 472 social and affordable dwellings leaves the League of Ireland club back at square one, dealing with the undesirable and complicated option of rebuilding their existing home of Richmond Park.

Club president Tom O’Mahony, however, suggested people power can still play a part.

“This represents a huge missed opportunity for the community of Inchicore and the wider area but we are pleased that there will be a public consultation process.”